I sent in a request via vetrecs in January for a copy of my dd 214. Was informed that the file is missing and a marker was placed in the file area. I called on the progress of locating my file today and was told that the request I submitted was closed and that I would need to submit a new file request whick i did today. I was also informed that my file may be potentially lost forever and never found. Any ideas as to how I can escalate the locating of my military records? Any help would be appreciated.

Once you get a copy, see if your County Clerk can record it for you. They recorded mine when I got my Marriage License.
Now when I need a copy the County Clerk can print me one out. The recording and the first 2 copys are free.

Contact your Congressman and hope that He She It is not liberal. Contact your county Veterans Services Coordinator for help. Request replacement of awards and citations and get another request into the system. I know of one guy it took years to find his file. If you are requesting benefits form VA go ahead and apply at VA and county Veterans Services Coordinator with all you have. Agent Orange benefits include almost 20 medical problems and all you need to prove is that you stepped foot on Vietnam. DAV, VFW, Legion, and other veterans organizations have people to help and have been through things like this many times.

8
posted on 03/14/2013 10:40:07 AM PDT
by mountainlion
(Live well for those that did not make it back.)

That was the first thing they told me during outprocessing from active duty in 1992. I immediately went to the courthouse, recorded my DD214 and then got six notarized copies. I put the originals in a safe deposit box.

This is one of the best suggestions. Don’t just write asking he or she to do something but rather prepare a letter which can simply be endorsed by your congress member and forwarded to St. Louis. They will make a extra effort but even then it may turn up nothing. The conveience of “the fire” can’t be overstated. Basically the workers there have no skin in the game and a very low threat of anything happening to them for their lack of auditability and control. Another government agency at there best.

If it truly can’t be located, contact the military installation where you out processed to see if they can locate it. Some things don’t get sent when they are supposed to, we found part of my hubby’s missing medical records by contacting the medical records section at the last place he was stationed, they were not supposed to be there- they should have been sent off for storage.

18
posted on 03/14/2013 11:18:30 AM PDT
by Tammy8
(~Secure the border and deport all illegals- do it now! ~ Support our Troops!~)

.....it took about 10 months to get mine. I received what they consider the replacement. A form typed out saying when and where you where assigned “as proof” of boots on the ground...according to that same form their request was forwarded to “others” for the replacement itself....that is now going on three years, still nothing that looks like the DD214.
When you fill in the forms, send copies of anything you have...schooling,training,squadron, medical records,dates are important as from when to when...anything old pay stubs

19
posted on 03/14/2013 11:20:47 AM PDT
by Doogle
(USAF.68-73..8th TFW Ubon Thailand..never store a threat you should have eliminated))

At your closest VA hospital you will find service officers from American Legion, VFW, and similar organizations. I got a LOT of help from the American Legion guy. Very helpful. And free. Things like this are what they do for a living.

21
posted on 03/14/2013 11:23:11 AM PDT
by shooter223
(the government should fear the citizens......not the other way around)

I was a Navy Radioman. Vietnam 67-71. When I tried to get a copy of my DD-214 they said they couldn’t find one. The problem was that my service number began with a B (Bravo). When I resent the request WITHOUT the leading “B”, POOF, it showed up in short order.

I kept the one they gave me on 28 August ‘64, along with the Certificate of Service wallet card. It’s been copied and recopied until ragged. The envelope it came in is in tatters. I dread trying to retrieve anything from any bureacracy, so I keep it safe as I can!

Good luck!

24
posted on 03/14/2013 11:42:22 AM PDT
by JimRed
(Excise the cancer before it kills us; feed &water the Tree of Liberty! TERM LIMITS, NOW & FOREVER!)

Hmmm, I made sure I had copies of everything in my file, service-related and medical, before I left...never was told to or thought to file with the county as since then, I haven’t lived there in 30 years. VA knows of discharge disability so I have a “Go To VA Hospital” card if I need it.
They ought to have the record...but good luck.
Remember, this IS the federal govt........

Thanks for all the replies. I was a member of the 101st airborne division from 1983 to 1992. I had a copy of my DD 214v but it was destroyed in a flood. Unfortunately, I did not file with the county. I had no idea about this service. I submitted for a copy at vetrecs and was informed that my file is missing and may never be recovered. I submitted a second request today. I’m wanting to attempt to qualify for a VA loan but Ive hit a wall here. I am lost at this point. I do appreciate all of the support from fellow vets. You all are wonderful.

Try to get an ebenefits.va.gov account. Once you get that you can download VA loan eligibility letters from there. I was able to register online, but I am a more recent vet.

For any recent vets you can request copies of just about everything in your record. I requested copies of all my DD-214s, and retirement paperwork and got electronic copies in less than 2 hours. Standard VA letters (VHA, vet preference, statement of service letters) are attached to your profile for immediate download.

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